Archive By Section - Opinion

After nearly three years as a military spouse, I've grown accustomed to life without family around. I came from a very close-knit family - you know, the kind where grandma phones over when she sees a car she doesn't recognize in the driveway from across the highway. That means it took me a while to get used to this more independent way of living.

The United States military has been in the news a lot lately, from the repeal of "don't ask, don't tell" to the Dec. 31 deadline for all troops to return home from the war in Iraq. Such politically charged topics can bring strong opinions to the forefront. But Friday will be the one day when everyone should put their opinions aside to honor the nation's veterans and active-duty service members and give them the respect that they deserve.

When I awoke Monday morning, it was as if I had been in one of those fogs I used to experience back in the 1960s. As I stood in front of the mirror with a tube of toothpaste in one hand and my toothbrush in the other, wondering why I came into the bathroom in the first place, it all started coming back.

It may sound cliche, but I'm reminded more and more often these days that the older I get, the less I know. Conversely, however, I also have noticed that as my age climbs, so does my appreciation for the people and blessings in my life.

Recycling and recycling education are the focus for Keep Liberty Beautiful during November. Our local program is participating in an annual campaign, America Recycles Day, on Nov. 15 to encourage Americans to recycle and to buy recycled products.

The Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986 resulted from a powerful combination of social and political forces. The war on drugs fervor of the 1980s (and '90s), the emergence of crack cocaine and the growing political popularity of mandatory sentences, especially for drugs and drug-related crimes, all seemed to reinforce one another. The cocaine overdose death of basketball star Len Bias and the violence that accompanied the crack epidemic only added to the reaction.

Editor, The Dorchester Village Civic Center was renovated to provide enjoyment for our community. Hundreds recently took part in the Halloween haunted schoolhouse and the haunted hayride, which was made possible by the many volunteers who worked endless hours before and during the four-night event.

My daughter, Anastasia Mae, was born Thursday, making me the proudest mama in the world. Maybe there are a few moms out there who would challenge me for the title but at this point, with my sweet baby girl sleeping happily on her daddy's chest, I feel I have a pretty good handle on it.